FinTrU Drama Studio Bursaries 2025-2026

The Lyric Theatre is proud to announce the continuation of its valued partnership with FinTrU, who will once again support emerging talent through the FinTrU Theatre Bursary, a vital initiative that helps aspiring actors from Northern Ireland pursue professional training.

Established in 2018, the FinTrU Theatre Bursary has played a key role in supporting graduates of the Lyric Drama Studio, the theatre’s award-winning actor training programme, as they take the next step to drama school. Over the years, the bursary has enabled dozens of young performers to train at leading institutions across Ireland, the UK, and further afield, helping remove the financial barriers that often stand between exceptional talent and opportunity.

Since 2018, the FinTrU bursaries have been awarded 49 times to varying Lyric Drama Studio alumni. These young people have been able to use these bursaries to support their transition to Drama School, including places at prestigious schools such as LAMDA, The Lir Academy, Mountview, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, and ArtsEd. FinTrU’s continued support playing a crucial role in many of these success stories.

Erin Hoey, Head of Creative Learning said:

“We’re so grateful for FinTrU’s ongoing commitment to our Drama Studio alumni. The rising costs of living and studying make access to actor training increasingly challenging, and this bursary provides a crucial support. It’s about giving talented young people the opportunity to thrive in an industry that needs their voices.

Our founder Mary O’Malley believed wholeheartedly in the power of drama to inspire and transform lives. She recognised the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age and dedicated herself to supporting the next generation of talent in Northern Ireland. Through bursaries like these we can continue her work.